20 Korean Words And Phrases That Every K-Drama Fan Should Know

If you’re an avid K-drama watcher (or K-popper), you have most likely picked up on a lot of Korean words and lingo, and can maybe even carry a conversation or two. The best part about K-dramas is that there are a lot of words that are repetitive, especially when dealing with the theme of love.

Here are just 20 Korean phrases and words that any K-drama fan should know! Sooner or later, you might not even need any subtitles. Wouldn’t that be grand?!

1. Unni/Oppa/Noona/Hyung

Unni / 언니: what a female calls an older female Oppa /오빠: what a female calls an older male Noona / 누나: what a male calls an older female Hyung / 형: what a male calls an older male

12. Nam-ja-chin-goo / Yeo-jah-chin-goo

13. Wae-geu-rae?

14. Sunbae/Hoobae

Sunbae / 선배 : a respectful term used to call someone who was working at a work establishment, or attending an educational institute before you — can also be addressed as “senior.” Hoobae / 후배 : a term used to call someone who started working at your company or going to your school after you — can also be called “junior.”

17. Jjak-sa-rang

18. Mi-ahn-hae

19. Hae-uh-ji-ja

20. Jae-bal

Jae-bal / 제발 : please (desperate, not polite)

Hey Soompiers, which of these words did you know already? Let me know in the comments below!

binahearts is a Soompi writer who can be most often seen singing her heart out at karaoke, walking her dog, or indulging in dessert. Her current obsessions include Song Joong Ki, BTOB, and BIGBANG. Make sure you follow binahearts on Instagram as she journeys through her latest Korean crazes!